two-way

adjective

ˈtü-ˈwā 

1

: moving or allowing movement in either direction

a two-way bridge

2

a

: involving or allowing an exchange between two individuals or groups

There must be good two-way communication …

—Jerrold Orne

especially : designed for both sending and receiving messages

two-way radio

b

: involving mutual responsibility or reciprocal relationships

… political alliance is a two-way thing …

—Theodore H. White

3

a

: involving two participants

a two-way race

b

sports : playing on both the offensive and defensive squads of a team (as in American football)

Frost, a throwback to the era of two-way players, is the Cardinal's starting free safety and backup quarterback.

—The New York Times

also : playing both offense and defense well

a basketball forward who's a talented two-way player

4

: usable in either of two manners

a two-way lamp

5

: being a cock or valve that will connect a pipe or channel with either of two others

Examples of two-way in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Heat had 11 available Saturday, factoring in the season-long absence of Terry Rozier (who’s facing federal charges) and the absence of the team’s three two-way contract players, who are on G-League assignment. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2026

The Rangers were intrigued enough in his abilities to do both, and drafted him with the plan to develop him as a two-way player. —Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026

With camp in Arizona winding down, the Dodgers have decided on their 13-man pitching staff (plus two-way star Shohei Ohtani). —Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026

With Porzingis joining Horford and Quinten Post as unavailable big men, the Warriors’ front line consisted of Draymond Green, 10-day contract center Omer Yurtseven and two-way contract Malevy Leons. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for two-way

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway
• beret

Kids Definition

two-way

adjective

1

: moving or acting or allowing movement or action in either direction

two-way traffic

a two-way street

2

a

: involving two persons or groups

communication is a two-way process

b

: made to send and receive messages

a two-way radio